A PET/CT scanner is an imaging study that combines the detailed imaging capabilities of a scanner with the capabilities of certain substances that accumulate in tissues. PET/CT uses a radiopharmaceutical (isotope), which is labeled glucose with a radioactive element. In this study, positron emission tomography and CT are performed sequentially and in one step after intravenous application of a positron-emitting isotope on a single combined machine in which PET and CT are integrated. After reconstruction of the recorded images, so-called synthesized images are obtained, reflecting the metabolic processes and structure of tissues and organs in the human body.
The radiopharmaceutical accumulates in tissues and organs with increased glucose consumption. Such tissues are tumors, inflammatory foci, or areas in the central nervous system with increased activity. Once glucose has accumulated in these tissues and a body scan is taken, the areas of increased glucose consumption are seen. This means that there is a tumor or inflammatory process in these places.
PET/CT - scanner is most commonly used:
- In oncological diseases for staging of malignancies, evidence of recurrences, restaging and monitoring the effect of treatment
- In cardiac diseases for cardiovascular monitoring - to visualize the myocardium for decision making for revascularization therapy
- In neurological diseases central nervous system examination in suspected cases of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, differential diagnosis of dementias, localization of epileptic foci
- to search for inflammation with unclear localization
The study can be conducted for any disease characterized by elevated glucose metabolism.
What is the study itself?
Before the test, a blood test is done to check the level of creatinine in the body. This is important to monitor the activity of the kidneys because it is through them that the isotope that is introduced into the body is cleared.
The study is conducted in the morning on an empty stomach. The contrast substance is introduced into the body, and after the test is completed, you will need to drink larger amounts of fluids, which helps clear it from the body through the kidneys. A whole body scanner follows which will show where the radiopharmaceutical has accumulated and where there is a pathological process. To avoid unrealistic results at least 24 hours rest is needed as increased muscle activity leads to increased glucose consumption and this would lead to isotope build up in the muscles and the study becomes ineffective. Between 6 to 8 hours you should not have taken any food and the last meal should not include many carbohydrates.
The examination is painless except for the unpleasant sensation of the venous catheter insertion and the isotope infusion.
If you have allergies or experience anxiety about enclosed spaces (suffer from caustrophobia), you must tell the medical team conducting the test.
For more information, we at Medical Karaj are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
